FFBIH competitions department has organized several seminars this week as well as the meeting with BH Telecom Premier League clubs' representatives, which will basically put an end to all preparatory activities ahead of upcoming Premier League spring season. FFBIH competitions and event manager director Elmir Pilav and his associates have prepared a detailed program which will cover the following areas:

"Seminars for officials (referees, observers, delegates and safety/security coordinators) are planned, as well as workshops for security and liaison officers. Earlier accreditation seminars included referees, doctors, physical therapists and club officials. Seminars consist mainly of several parts: analysis of the autumn part of the championship, lectures on the regulations amendments, and theoretical and physical tests (referees and their assistants). A joint meeting with the committee presidents in charge will also be held before the championship oficially starts.

How is traning performed at these seminars and what are their main goals?

"The seminar aims to connect the theoretical part (regulations, rules of the game, FIFA and UEFA emails) with what's happening in practice. For this purpose we use the examples mainly from our own championship, however we also use FIFA and UEFA educational materials. Referee seminars will host the experts in physical preparation, nutrition and diet. Because six clubs will leave the league this year, great attention was paid to the integrity of competition. For this purpose, we held a joint meeting with Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight against Corruption representatives where we agreed on joint preventive actions. Those representatives will also hold several lectures in his field at one of our seminars."

After analysis of the autumn semi-season what would you say was positive regarding league officials' work and what need to be improved?

"I have to say we are really satisfied with their work, and that's also committees' and executive board's opinion as well. In addition to referees' individual failures and mistakes, which were found to have been not deliberate, the general assessment is quite good. Clubs have also upped the level of match organization to a higher level, and I really have to point out the good cooperation. Although there were no major flaws in the organization, we faced with few instances of racism for the first time this season. In accordance with the relevant regulations, the FFBIH disciplinary committee imposed appropriate fines, but we would like to appeal to all fans once again to refrain from inappropriate and offensive chants, and to cheer for their players in the spirit of fair play."

This is the last season with sixteen clubs, the fight for the top and the bottom of the table will surely be uncertain. Does this pose an additional pressure on the officials and your department?

"Every FFBIH department is aware of that difficult task, and the increasing pressure on us, clubs and match officials. But, starting with the president Begic, executive board, committees, administration, our goal is clear – successful and completion of the championship for all contestants."

You planned to hold a meeting with Premier League representatives, what will be discussed at that meeting?

"Our practice is to have a meeting with club presidents and directors before the start of each half-season where we analyze certain problems from the first part of the season and work on solving them. We also talk about the sponsorship contracts with BH Telecom, television broadcast schedule, and of course ways to protect the integrity of the competition."

How would you rate cooperation between Premier League clubs and FFBIH?

"As I mentioned earlier, we have very good cooperation. It was better and stronger each season because we all share a common interest. FFBIH works in the interest of clubs, not the other way around, and we try to consult on all important matters. An example of this would be that the FFBIH executive board has requested the PL clubs' opinions on the competition's modality for next season. In the end, I have to point out the unconditional support to this department from president Begic, general secretary Bakovic, executive board members and important.